Nepal holds much of the biological and cultural diversity of the Himalayan region. This diversity is structured not only over the steep north-south elevational gradient, but also over an east-west gradient of precipitation, with eastern Nepal receiving ten times more monsoon rainfall than western Nepal. The country’s diverse indigenous groups speak 120 languages, and an estimated native 2000 plants are in common use as medicines, foods, fodder, religious purposes, etc. Especially in mountain communities, these useful plants are vital, in some areas collected by virtually all households, and providing half of the household income.